For some, the best part of a meal is the dessert, and these local dessert restaurants in San Diego, California; Orlando, Florida; and Washington, D.C. have a seriously sweet reputation among locals. So sweet, in fact, that they belong on your foodie bucket list. Make sure to leave room for a dessert … or two!

Northern Desserts In Washington, D.C.

Stay Here: Club Wyndham National Harbor, Club Wyndham Old Town Alexandria

1. The Dairy Godmother

Located in the quirky yet charming neighborhood of Del Ray, The Dairy Godmother is like Candyland in a cup with its dreamy, decadent flavors of made-from-scratch frozen custard. The menu rotates, so if you plan on returning, you’ll always have something new to look forward to, such as Earl Grey tea & biscuits, dreamsicle, and chocolate marshmallow Oreo. Wishing for a sweet treat for those sensitive to dairy allergies? The Dairy Godmother also creates milk-free sorbets with imaginative flavors like pear with vanilla, strawberry balsamico, lemon lavender, and more.

2. Rose Ave Bakery

Most may get distracted by the Starbucks next door, but one look in the direction of this little gem of a bakery and you’ll quickly be swept off your feet by its delicate aromas. Rose Ave Bakery was created by a former pediatric nurse with a dream, and her inventive Asian-American treats will inspire you. She fuses familiar flavors with an exotic spin, such as matcha chocolate chunk cookies, mango sticky rice pie, Vietnamese coffee doughnuts and more.  

SoCal Sweets In San Diego, California

Stay Here: Club Wyndham Harbour Lights

3. Boba Bar and Desserts

Most traditional boba tea shops just serve tea but Boba Bar and Desserts takes it to the next level. They’ve mastered boba tea — a Taiwanese tea drink with tapioca pearls that you sip through a large straw — so if you’ve never had one, it’s worth wowing your taste buds. But if you want to try something truly special, order a puffle, Hong Kong’s spin on a waffle with pockets of crispy, chewy, airy dough that cradles ice cream and other toppings. Opt for the s’mores puffle or customize your own.

4. iDessert

When you walk through the doors of iDessert, you’re greeted with a wave of sweetness from its selection of cakes, crepes, sundaes, and milkshakes. Here, dessert and technology come together to bring you a treat tailored to your liking. Order through a tablet to build your sweet masterpiece, choosing from at least 16 different crusts, eight flavors of gelato, and countless other sauces and toppings.

Down South Delights In Orlando, Florida

Stay Here: Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek, Club Wyndham Cypress Palms, Club Wyndham Kingstown Reef, Club Wyndham Orlando International, Club Wyndham Reunion, Club Wyndham Star Island

5. The Glass Knife

The Glass Knife dessert restaurant is located in Winter Park, a charming community where locals love to shop, people-watch, and brunch. The Glass Knife is a perfect way to top off the afternoon with some of the most delectable sweet treats in town that are almost too pretty to eat — almost. Treat yourself to the chocolate onyx pastry, a peanut butter cup doughnut, or take a southern red velvet cake to-go.

6. Le Gourmet Break

Tucked away behind Orlando’s bustling downtown central business district, you’ll discover Le Gourmet Break, a delightful French bakery. The dessert display is truly a work of art, with each confection made fresh in-house each day. Be sure to take a peek at the menu and choose from their selection of fresh, piping hot crepes with fillings like Nutella, bananas, and jam, then make room for a chocolate croissant and a fruit tarte.